Kroger, Walmart, and Dick's Changed How They Sell Guns, But Here's Why It May Not Make a Difference

While Kroger stores have never sold firearms, the largest supermarket chain in the U.S. does sell guns at 43 of its Fred Meyer locations in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.

“Recent events demonstrate the need for additional action on the part of responsible gun retailers,” said Kroger spokeswoman Jessica Adelman. “In response to the tragic events in Parkland and elsewhere, we’ve taken a hard look at our policies and procedures for firearm sales.”

Dick’s Sporting Goods Stops Selling Assault Rifles

On Wednesday, Dick’s Sporting Goods announced that it would no longer sell assault-style weapons. This news came after it was discovered that Nikolas Cruz, the 19-year-old shooter at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School who killed 17 people, bought a gun at a Dick’s Sporting Goods store in Florida.

While the the AR-15 used in the massacre was not purchased at Dick’s, the company decided to pull similar rifles after the tragedy.

“When we saw what happened in Parkland, we were so disturbed and upset,” CEO Edward Stack said. “We’re going to take a stand and step up and tell people our view and, hopefully, bring people along into the conversation.”

However, most firearms are sold at gun shops or gun shows rather than at major chains, according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation. About 12% of assault style weapons and 23% of long gun and handguns are sold by mainstream retailers, according to data compiled for the organization. So while it’s a powerful gesture for these retailers to change their policies, it may not actually make a significant dent in the access to guns.

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